OXANDROLONE

• Rarely, this drug has caused serious, sometimes fatal liver problems including liver failure, liver cysts, and liver tumors.
  • Inform your doctor immediately if you have any signs of liver problems such as yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, unusual tiredness, or sudden/persistent stomach/abdominal pain.

• It may also affect your cholesterol and may increase your risk of heart or blood vessel problems (coronary artery disease)

• Minor side effects (if these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor)
  • Nausea, vomiting, headache, skin color changes, increased/decreased sexual interest, oily skin, hair loss, and acne may

• Serious side effects (inform your doctor immediately)
  • Mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, depression, increased anger), trouble sleeping/snoring
  • Specifically for Males
    • Trouble urinating, breast swelling/tenderness, too frequent/prolonged erections
    • Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours
  • Specifically for Females
    • Deepening of the voice, hoarseness, unusual facial/body hair growth, enlarged clitoris, irregular menstrual periods

• Can decrease sperm production that may lower male fertility. Consult your physician for more details.

• Can cause your body to hold on to extra body water (edema) which increases your risk of heart failure.
  • Immediately inform your physician if you notice any of the following:
    • Decreased exercise ability, hands/ankles/feet swelling, unusual tiredness, shortness of breath while lying down.

• Severe allergic reactions are rare. Get immediate medical help if you notice the following:
  • Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Precautions:

• Inform your doctor if you
  • Are allergic to the medication
  • Have a history of breast cancer in men, prostate cancer, certain mineral imbalance (high calcium blood level) heart disease (such as heart failure, chest pain, heart attack), liver problems, kidney problems, other types of cancer, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, enlarged prostate, breathing problems (such as sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), diabetes.
  • Become bed-ridden (unable to walk) for a prolonged period while using this drug. Blood calcium monitoring may be needed

• Caution is advised
  • In older adults because they may be at greater risk for prostate/liver problems and swelling of arms/legs.
  • In children because bone growth may be affected, causing shorter adult height

• Should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm an unborn baby. If you are planning to be pregnant or think you may be pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of use with your doctor.

Interactions:

• Taking multiple drugs may affect how medications work and/or cause unwanted side effects. List down all the medications you are taking and inform your physician and pharmacist. Do not take, discontinue, or alter any dose of medications without prior approval of your physician.

• Products that may interact with this medication Include:
  • “blood thinners” (such as warfarin)
  • Corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone, prednisone) may increase the risk of edema and heart failure.

• Labratory tests that may be affected:
  • Thyroid Function Tests

Overdose:

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and As soon as you remember, take a regular dose or if the time of the next dose is near, wait for it before taking another dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not increase the dose to compensate

Storage

• Store between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C)
• Do not expose to light and moisture
• Do not store in the bathroom
• Keep all medications away from pets and children

Brands:

Available Brands:

Oxandrin